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EDITORS’ NOTES

While Like A Virgin established Madonna as an ’80s MTV icon, True Blue, her third album, ensured she was no flash in the pan. Bad movies would jeopardize her star-power somewhat, but the dancefloor was always Madonna’s refuge and her image was always up for changing. This time it’s thick eyebrows and short, smart blonde locks. Still, a dancefloor diva is not necessarily a worldwide superstar yet, and True Blue works with greater ambition. The dance grooves are meatier. “Open Your Heart” is unstoppable and immediate. “La Isla Bonita” tweaks a Latin rhythm. “Where’s the Party” plays up a carefree hedonist rave. But “Live to Tell” is the ballad open for contemplation and in search of beauty. “Papa Don’t Preach” is the controversial “keepin’ my baby” story-song of a young teen in conflict with parental authority, while “True Blue” pays homage to tough ’60s girl groups. As someone well-known for her image, Madonna used True Blue to also build her music.

EDITORS’ NOTES

While Like A Virgin established Madonna as an ’80s MTV icon, True Blue, her third album, ensured she was no flash in the pan. Bad movies would jeopardize her star-power somewhat, but the dancefloor was always Madonna’s refuge and her image was always up for changing. This time it’s thick eyebrows and short, smart blonde locks. Still, a dancefloor diva is not necessarily a worldwide superstar yet, and True Blue works with greater ambition. The dance grooves are meatier. “Open Your Heart” is unstoppable and immediate. “La Isla Bonita” tweaks a Latin rhythm. “Where’s the Party” plays up a carefree hedonist rave. But “Live to Tell” is the ballad open for contemplation and in search of beauty. “Papa Don’t Preach” is the controversial “keepin’ my baby” story-song of a young teen in conflict with parental authority, while “True Blue” pays homage to tough ’60s girl groups. As someone well-known for her image, Madonna used True Blue to also build her music.